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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 25, 2016

at 4:00 p.m.

Chairperson D. Shields in the Chair.

TRUSTEES: Present M. Adam; L. Boland; W. Hewitt; S. Humphries; B. Morris; N. Edge (Student Trustee);

C. Webster (Student Trustee)

TRUSTEES: Absent With Regret: K. Dunsmoor-Lough; D. Kaiser

STAFF: R. Clarke; J. Barrett; G. Bishop; D. Jenkins; B. McIntyre; L. Schimmens; J. Laderoute; S. McIntyre

Chairperson D. Shields called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone in attendance and acknowledged Christine Mackechnie who attended as part of the Supervisory Officer Qualification Program she is currently enrolled in through EOSDN.

The invocation was read by Trustee M. Adam. 96. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS Chairperson D. Shields asked for declarations of conflict. None were forthcoming. 97. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOVED BY B. MORRIS, seconded by S. Humphries that the Renfrew County District School Board approves the agenda for today’s meeting.

The motion was CARRIED 98. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES MOVED BY L. BOLAND, seconded by M. Adam that the Renfrew County District School Board confirms the minutes of the Board Meeting held on September 27, 2016.

The motion was CARRIED

99. PRESENTATION – SHSM Student Presentation

Superintendent G. Bishop welcomed Jacqueline Poirier, Student Success Leader, and teachers Barb Scott-Cole, Janet Reiche-Schoenfeldt, and OYAP Lead Geoff Good. Ms. Poirier introduced students from Opeongo High School Dayna Musclow, Mara Peever and Rachel Enright who spoke of their participation at the third annual Specialist High School Major (SHSM) conference. A SHSM is a Ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. The program also assists students transitioning to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace upon completion of their high school graduation. Dayna, Mara and Rachel elaborated on the success of the program and provided examples of the use of theory and hands-on activities.

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Chairperson, D. Shields, thanked the delegation for highlighting the opportunities the SHSM program provides Grade 12 students.

REPORTS TO THE BOARD FOR ACTION – COMMITTEES 100. Committee of the Whole – Closed Session – Page # 71

Vice Chairperson, W. Hewitt presented the Report of Committee of the Whole from today’s Committee of the Whole Closed Session meeting.

MOVED BY W. HEWITT, seconded by L. Boland that the Renfrew County District School Board adopts the Report of Committee of the Whole Closed Session meeting.

The motion was CARRIED 101. Committee of the Whole – Open Session – Page # 72

Vice Chairperson, W. Hewitt presented the Report of Committee of the Whole from today’s Committee of the Whole Open Session meeting.

MOVED BY W. HEWITT, seconded by L. Boland that the Renfrew County District School Board adopts the Report of the Committee of the Whole Open Session meeting.

The motion was CARRIED 102. Program and Personnel Services Committee – Page # 73

Trustee M. Adam, Chairperson of the Program and Personnel Services Committee, presented the Report of the Program and Personnel Services Committee meeting held on October 11, 2016.

MOVED BY M. ADAM, seconded by B. Morris that the Renfrew County District School Board receives the Report of the Program and Personnel Services Committee meeting held on October 11, 2016.

The motion was CARRIED

103. Finance, Facilities and Services Committee – Page # 74

Trustee B. Morris presented the Report of the Finance, Facilities and Services Committee meeting held on October 11, 2016.

MOVED BY B. MORRIS, seconded by S. Humphries that the Renfrew County District School Board receives the Report of the Finance, Facilities and Services Committee meeting held on October 11, 2016.

The motion was CARRIED

104. Special Education Advisory Committee Trustee B. Morris stated that the Special Education Advisory Committee met on October 19, 2016. As the required number of committee members were not present for a quorum, no official business was conducted.

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105. NEW BUSINESS

Chairperson D. Shields extended an invitation to all Trustees to attend OPSBA’s Regional Meeting in Kanata on November 5, 2016.

106. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE – Page # 75

The Director, Roger Clarke, presented his Director’s Update. See Appendix “A”.

107. STUDENT TRUSTEES’ UPDATE – Page # 76 Student Trustees Connor Webster and Nic Edge presented their Student Trustees’ Update. See Appendix “B”. On a motion by M. Adam, seconded by W. Hewitt the meeting adjourned. Time: 5:24 p.m.

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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CLOSED SESSION REPORT

October 25, 2016

TRUSTEES: Present W. Hewitt; M. Adam; L. Boland; S. Humphries; B. Morris; D. Shields; N. Edge (Student Trustee); C. Webster (Student Trustee)

TRUSTEES: Absent

With Regret: K. Dunsmoor-Lough; D. Kaiser; J. Laderoute

STAFF: R. Clarke; G. Bishop; D. Jenkins; B. McIntyre; L. Schimmens; S. McIntyre

GUESTS: The Committee of the Whole of the Renfrew County District School Board met on October 25, 2016 and discussed the following items in Closed Session:

1. Program & Personnel Services Closed Session Report – October 11, 2016; 2. Finance, Facilities & Services Closed Session Report – October 11, 2016; 3. Joint Session of Committees Closed Session Report – October 11, 2016; 4. RCJTC Effectiveness & Efficiency (E & E) Re-Review; 5. Capital Update; 6. EQAO Update; 7. Director’s Search.

I move that the Board adopt the report as approved by the Committee of the Whole.

W. Hewitt Vice-Chairperson

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RENFREW COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OPEN SESSION REPORT

October 25, 2016

TRUSTEES: Present W. Hewitt; M. Adam; L. Boland; S. Humphries; B. Morris; D. Shields; N. Edge (Student Trustee); C. Webster (Student Trustee)

TRUSTEES: Absent

With Regret: K. Dunsmoor-Lough; D. Kaiser; J. Laderoute

STAFF: R. Clarke; G. Bishop; D. Jenkins; B. McIntyre; L. Schimmens; S. McIntyre

GUESTS: The Committee of the Whole of the Renfrew County District School Board met on October 25, 2016 and discussed the following item in Open Session:

1. Policy 17 – Selection of the Director.

I move that the Board adopt the report as approved by the Committee of the Whole.

W. Hewitt Vice-Chairperson

PROGRAM AND PERSONNEL SERVICES COMMITTEE Open Session: x Closed Session:

REPORT TO BOARD

October 11, 2016 PRESENT: Committee Members:

M. Adam, L. Boland, K. Dunsmoor-Lough, S. Humphries, D. Kaiser, B. Morris, D. Shields, C. Webster (Student Trustee), N. Edge (Student Trustee)

Administration: G. Bishop, D. Jenkins, B. McIntyre, L. Schimmens, J. Laderoute, S. McIntyre, K. Levasseur

Guests:

P. Childerhose, M. Weisenberg, D. Gauthier, T. Hoffman

ABSENT: (With Regrets) R. Clarke, W. Hewitt, J. Barrett

The Program and Personnel Committee met on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 to discuss the following items: 1. Upper Ottawa Valley High School Athletic Association 2. Non-Union Compensation 3. Teacher Staffing Update 4. Trustee Honorarium There were no recommendations made. Marjorie Adam Chairperson

FINANCE, FACILITIES AND SERVICES COMMITTEE Open Session: X Closed Session:

REPORT TO BOARD

October 11, 2016

PRESENT: Committee Members:

B. Morris (Chair), M. Adam, L. Boland, K. Dunsmoor-Lough, S. Humphries D. Kaiser, D. Shields, C. Webster and N. Edge (Student Trustees)

Administration:

G. Bishop, D. Jenkins, B. McIntyre, L. Schimmens, J. Laderoute, S. McIntyre, T. Hoffman

Guests:

ABSENT: (With Regrets) W. Hewitt, R. Clarke, J. Barrett

The Finance, Facilities and Services Committee met on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 to discuss the following item(s): 1. Year to Date Financial Status. No recommendations were made. B. Morris Chairperson

Director’s Report – October 25, 2016

1. Olympian Melissa Bishop Addresses SHSM Students On October 12, 2016 over 360 grade eleven students attended a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) learning day in Cobden. This third annual event welcomed students in grade eleven from each of RCDSB’s seven high schools to the SHSM program and engaged them in obtaining their first certification towards earning a SHSM Red Seal on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. At this year’s event students were addressed by Olympian Melissa Bishop. Melissa’s message to the attendees was, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. Following the keynote address, students participated in certifications related to their chosen SHSM sector. Eighteen certifications were offered and included; Wilderness Survival Skills, Leadership, Pruning and Trail Management, Bear Safety and Chainsaw safety awareness, digital photography, propane handling, dance, non-violent crisis intervention, watershed management, habitat restoration, First Nation art, sign language, stress management, drumming, cooking, personal trainer/coach, powder actuated tools, fire extinguisher use and lock out/tag out. Events took place across the village of Cobden as well as at Shaw Woods and Opeongo High School. 2. Outdoor Classroom at Opeongo High School On Wednesday, October 19th the Character Development Committee was given an engaging tour of Opeongo High School’s newly constructed outdoor classroom. OHS is located on a picturesque parcel of 50+ acres of land. The rear 40 acres consists of an abandoned agricultural field, a lowland cedar wetland, a mixed wood forest, and two small ponds. The outdoor classroom is located in the middle of this wilderness area and will provide students and community members with a home base where they can access this outdoor education and recreation area. The outdoor classroom committee is made up of individuals from the school, the school board and the community. Meetings took place throughout last school year to develop the idea and plan the construction of the structure. Committee members include: Tim Demmons; Brent McIntyre; Bill Murray; Angela McGregor; Mary Cahill and Terry Hoelke. Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator Mary Cahill accessed funding for community use equipment through various grants, including TD Friends of the Environment, and the Healthy Kids Community Challenge. The Township of Admaston/Bromley was instrumental in helping to purchase snowshoes and Nordic poles for the community. The Ontario Teachers’ Federation provided funding to support the design of a locally developed wildlife and research facility which will use the outdoor classroom as its home base. The facility will be used for classes including OSPREY (Opeongo’s Special Program in Research Ecology for Youth), environmental science, native studies, biology, physical education and more. In addition to enhancing curricular activities (eg. Ecosystem studies in Grade 9 science classes), it will allow students in a variety of courses to conduct hands-on research and learn about environmentally friendly practices and sustainability. It will provide students with the ideal location to learn about environmental issues while surrounded by their natural environment. The outdoor classroom will also be accessible to community members when they access the trails for hiking, bird watching, Nordic walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Retired OHS teacher and carpenter, Marc Hamel, has been hired to supervise students to work on the project. A group of hard working senior students with an interest in construction have been an instrumental part of the classroom’s progress. OHS teacher, Mike Sinclair will be working with students in his welding classes to design and create seating and work spaces for the structure. OHS is grateful for the many partnerships and businesses who have contributed to this project. 3. New Pedagogies for Deep Learning New Pedagogies for Deep Learning is an international program involving schools from as far away as South America, Europe and Australia. The program looks to address a key educational challenge: how to design teaching and learning systems that lead to more successful lives for all students. The goal of NPDL is Deep Learning. Deep Learning occurs when students are engaged in rich tasks where skills such as Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Citizenship, and Character (the 6 C’s) are interwoven in the curriculum. These are skills each and every student needs to achieve and excel in, in order to flourish in today’s complex world. Currently, McNab, Queen Elizabeth, Central and Eganville public schools are involved in this collaborative inquiry project. To date, these schools have participated in two sessions. Last June, the Technology Enabled Teaching and Learning Contacts (TELT-Cs) hosted an information session where the project details were shared, and in September of this school year the TELT-Cs hosted an event where the schools participated in a highly engaging challenge-based activity highlighting deep learning design. The early stages of this project have seen students starting to engage in learning activities that are rooted in problem solving and connected to larger community issues. These connections place learning in a context that is meaningful to them.

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Renfrew County District School Board

Student Trustees’ Report for Tuesday, October 25th, 2016

This report includes information with regards to:

● High School Updates: September-October 2016 ● School Visits: September-October 2016 ● AMPLIFY! Youth Summit: October 6th 2016 ● OSTA-AECO Update: Professional Development Officer and PBC Secretary ● Other Business

1. High School Updates

Over the course September and October, we have contacted and met with every Student Council President/Prime Minister at each school via social media. One of our goals for the year is to visit every school at least 3 times and assist the respective Student Councils in planning events and helping to improve democratic functionality. We believe strong student voice is rooted in inspired and engaged leaders, and we aim to foster these connections over the course of the year. The following is a collection of updates from our high schools: Arnprior District High School: Co-Prime Ministers Nic Edge and William Roffey

ADHS’s 2016-2017 Student Activity Association (SAA/student council) kicked off in June of the 2015-2016 school year. As of September 9th, 2016, student council has twenty-eight dedicated members ranging from Gr. 9 to Fifth Year and two staff supervisors.

● August 20th Bottle Drive - SAA members drove around Arnprior-McNab/Braeside all day collecting bottles and donations from the community. This initiative not only raised SAA over $1000, but it also engaged and introduced the new student council to the Arnprior & area community!

● September 7th First Assembly - Student council is responsible for the setup and teardown of (almost) all assemblies. This was the first Character Ed Assembly of the year! At this assembly, not only did the student body meet Mr. Havey, but the Prime Ministers and the rest of student council also formally introduced themselves. After intros, SC hosted an “Are You Smarter Than a 9th Grader” game show (Gr 9s vs. ADHS Staff & Gr. 12s).

● September 12th-16th Spirit Week! - Spirit week consisted of five themed-days, with the famous Red & White Day landing on the Friday. R&W Day is a half day ending at 12, followed by pep rally, pigskin parade, a football game at 1, and our R&W Dance at night. We hosted approx. 200 students at the dance.

● September 29th Live Music in the Cafeteria - With September having World Suicide Prevention Day in it, we did not want to leave September without acknowledging it. Music in the Cafe had a live performer from SAA who sang a variety of upbeat and meaningful songs.

● October 5th Coffee House - Our Arts Ministers work with the Arts Dept. to put a spotlight on music students ● October 6th Parent/Teacher Interviews - SAA members set up a table to sell off remaining SPC Cards and also to

answer any questions parents had about student council & our roles within the school. ● They are in the second year of Live at ADHS which is Live morning video announcements. ● ADHS Student Council is currently planning a Haunted House which will take place on Thursday October 27 from

5pm-7pm. A portion of the proceeds will be going to the RCDSB Student Support Fund.

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● All Jr. and Sr. teams of boys football, girls rugby, girls basketball are in good standings going into the playoffs! ● Members of the Cross-Country team are headed to EOSSAA Oct. 27 ● Sr. Boys volleyball has made a comeback in ADHS! This is the first Sr. team in many years; a Jr. & Sr. boys

volleyball tournament will be hosted Monday Oct. 24th at ADHS ● The golf team had 3 members move onto EOSSAA ● Mullite members from the Tennis team moved onto EOSSAA which will take place in May (Kingston) ● Girls Rugby are playing in the finals Tonight at Dochart Field vs Bishop Smith Catholic High School.

Renfrew Collegiate Institute: President Taryn Cameron

Back in September, the RCI student council took the grade nines to the SOAR Documentary. The documentary focused on the choices that teenagers make in high school and how they come to appreciate or dislike their choices. After the grade nines watched the documentary, involvement went up; both in sports and in student leadership.

● They hosted a small Spirit Week at the start of the school year including the traditional Blue and White day at the end of the week; however with the loss of the Senior Football Team it made it more challenging to plan.

● On Friday, October 21st, student council hosted a Haunted House and Halloween Dance (the dance is only for high school students.)

● Cross-country and boys volleyball have received many more players due to the fact. Our JR girls volleyball team travelled to Halifax early October to participate in a tournament.

● This year, the RCI drama club is producing ELF! Jr The Musical, set to be performed in early November. ● Student Council is also planning this year's Reindeer Hunt.

Opeongo High School: President Ryan Hodson

Everyone in student council is having a great time and is making a positive impact on the school community.

● They had a very successful Spirit week which the majority of the Students participated in. ● Hosted a pep rally on the last day of spirit week. ● Hosted an Art Assembly for the entire school the first month. ● Hosted a Halloween Dance Friday October 21. ● Sr Boys Volleyball team is doing strong ● Girls Rugby Team is doing well. ● Various clubs has been doing fundraisers as well; such as the Back Me Up Club doing a few bake sales. ● Student Council is currently planning this year's upcoming Reindeer Hunt.

Fellowes High School: President Therran Maclellan

FHS student council kicked off last year when they elected the key characters too their student council including President and Vice President roles.

● In September they held grade rep elections. ● Hosted a Spirit with various student engagement activities at lunch including a ping pong tournament. ● Worked with Athletic council to plan the first pep rally of the year with the girls rugby home opener. ● Held a Fall dance on Friday October 21 with “Frat party” as their theme ● Student Council is currently in the works of planning Reindeer Hunt. ● Currently working on planning Fun Free student engagement activities once the snow starts to fly. ● Currently the Sr.Boys volleyball team is doing well and just competed at a tournament in North Bay this past

weekend. ● The Varsity girls rugby team placed third overall within the county. ● Multiple cross country runners moved on to EOSSAA which will take place this week.

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Madawaska Valley District High School: President Martina Coulas

MV Student Council has been busy planning various events this year, their goal this year is to promote better student engagement.

● In the first month of school they held a Spirit week. School spirit was shown well by all students from grade 9-12. ● On the last day of the spirit week they hosted a dance with the theme of “White Out”. ● A strategy they used too promote strong School spirit was too give free dance tickets out too the “most spirited”

students throughout the Spirit Week. ● They held a few Coffee houses at lunch and after school. ● Held a food drive for a local food bank. ● Planning a fall carnival Buy-out with bouncy castles, team building games and of course carnival food. ● Student council is currently holding intramurals twice a week during the lunch hour ● Both Senior and Junior boys volleyball teams are doing very well. ● Cross Country team did well this year also.

Mackenzie Community School: Co-Presidents Hai Ling Rao and Andrew Masala

MCS Student Council is having a great start to the year, this is the first year in a few years MCS has had 2 grade 11’s act as Co-Presidents on Student Council.

● Organized a “Mafia Day” at the beginning of the year for the grade 9 students: Students met with their link crew leaders, had a chance to get to know their group, and spent the day out on our football field playing organized events with their house colors.

● School Colors dance: first dance of the year; the theme was purple and gold. Link crew leaders encouraged all grade 9’s to come, and they had one of the largest % participations in a few years considering the small school size(more than half the school was there).

● Purple n’ Gold spirit day: In conjunction with Athletic Council’s sports rally, they had a spirit day before going to watch a home football game in the afternoon

● Barbecues: They hosted two barbecues, selling burgers, hotdogs, chips, and drinks. They focused on getting high quality ingredients, and people were very happy with the low prices.

● Created a feedback group online: This year, Student Council is focusing on collecting ideas from their fellow classmates. As such, they have groups on social media, where they stay engaged with the student body with surveys and event updates.

● They are currently planning a Halloween spirit day as well as a Halloween dance. ● Planning Reindeer Hunt. ● The football team this year has made some large strides this year; this is the first time that they have made

playoffs in a few decades! ● They also have a new mascot costume which they bring to home games; students can sign up to wear the

costume. *Note: No report was received from Valour School. 2. School Visits

Over the past couple of months we have had the opportunity to visit 3 secondary schools. On September 29th, Nic attended Opeongo High School. The day started off with a school tour by Student council President Ryan Hodson. Once the tour was complete, Nic sat in on a student council meeting at lunch. Observing, the students were adding the final touches to the pep rally that was taking place later that day and planning their upcoming Halloween dance which was to happen on Friday, October 2st .After their meeting Nic sat down with Ryan and Cassidy Resmer (Vice President) and had a discussion regarding the format of their Student Council and brainstormed some fundraiser ideas. The day ended with the pep rally, which Nic competed against the mascot in a Relay Race.

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Connor was happy to visit Valour the night of September 30th, and attend their fall “Tight and Bright” dance. Connor had preliminary discussions with their Student Council President Reagan Jones and had an overall great time interacting with the student body in a high-energy and exciting setting.

On the afternoon of October 6th, Nic visited Fellowes High School. The day started off with a school tour by both their Student Council president Therran and Connor. It was black and gold day, so spirit was naturally immaculate. At the end of the day a pep rally took place which included loud music, excited students, grade rep initiation and an introduction of all fall sports teams. Connor was pleased (and somewhat embarrassed) to be featured in a choreographed dance in front of the whole school We really enjoyed visiting the schools and meeting with various student bodies. We hope to return soon, and continuing to reach out to our student body and gain an insight into the happenings and opinions of our peers. 3. AMPLIFY! Youth Summit

On Thursday, October 6th we had the immense pleasure of attending the morning portion of the Renfrew County Youth Network’s annual leadership summit AMPLIFY! Hosted at Wilderness Tours in the community of Foresters Falls, AMPLIFY is a leadership conference designed to inspire high potential youth to amplify the passion and engagement within their community, specifically pertaining to mental health and well-being. The conference was open to grade 10 and 11 students from each of our high schools, coordinated through our Student Success department. We were happy to support our students and staff that morning, sitting in on keynote presentations from renowned CHEO physiciatrist Dr. Michael Cheng and energetic WE Day speaker Fahd Alhattab.

We look forward to working with the RCYN further in supporting AMPLIFY post projects and coordinating with high potential student groups from throughout the valley. We will update you accordingly.

4. OSTA-AECO Update Last May, Nic and Connor were elected to positions within the Ontario Student Trustees Association. Nic serves

as the secretary for the Public Board Council a cabinet position of the council overseeing all Public Board Student Trustees in Ontario. PBC has monthly teleconference meetings and one yearly meeting in Toronto. Currently PBC is working on round table discussion topics that we can have with Student Trustees from across Ontario at our Fall General Meeting which will take place in November.

With regards to the Fall General Meeting, Connor has been busy in is role as Professional Development Officer, a position on the executive council of the organization, organizing and coordinating the conference itself. Connor has been coordinating with school boards from across Ontario and notable political and media personalities to serve as keynote speakers. Monthly meetings in Toronto have been effective and beneficial, as the days wind down to the conference on November 17th-20th. Our positions within the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association gives us the opportunity to take our role as RCDSB Student Trustee to another level and foster valuable political networks. Its an incredible to have the chance to not only represent the students of Renfrew County at a provincial level, but have a hand in representing nearly 2.2 million students province wide. Other Business *Verbal Update